Desert Dogs (2001) User Reviews

A well made and thought provoking film about the Navajo people and the unique relationship they share with their pets.

[Lump828 · 10/10 · 26 January 2002]

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this film at the American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco. It is a sad, yet hopeful documentary that brought a tear to my eye. The film explores the traditional beliefs of the Navajo and how these beliefs interfere with modern day animal control efforts. I was especially impressed with how well shot and edited the film was. The contrast between the beautiful nature shots and the harsh reality that the stray dogs in the film face is quite exceptional. I was equally impressed with the Navajo woman in the film who runs a one-woman rescue effort. The dedication she shows to her dogs in light of her own poverty inspires me to do more for my own community. The film has only minimal narration and the story is allowed to be told through the people involved. While the overall story is quite sad, the film maker adds a nice "pick me up" near the end that left the audience smiling. Anyone who is an animal lover or simply enjoys a good story told by real people will enjoy Desert Dogs.